A technology-based programme to help a post-coma man with profound multiple disabilities manage stimulation access and posture improvement

• Published in: Developmental Neurorehabilitation Vol. 13; no. 3; pp. 212 - 216
• Main Authors: Lancioni, Giulio, O'Reilly, Mark, Singh, Nirbhay, Oliva, Doretta, D'Amico, Fiora, Megna, Gianfranco, Buonocunto, Francesca, Sacco, Valentina
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01-01-2010
• Subjects: minimally conscious state; multiple disabilities; post-coma; posture control; stimulation access; technology
• ISSN: 1751-8423; 1751-8431
• DOI: 10.3109/17518421003652858

Objective: To evaluate a technology-based programme to help a post-coma man with multiple disabilities access stimulation and control head posture (i.e. reduce head forward tilting).
Method: The response targeted within the programme was closing the sweater's zipper. This response (which could be repeated since the zipper tended to reopen automatically) was selected, as it led the man to raise his head spontaneously. The programme relied on microswitch sensors to monitor the response and turn on preferred stimuli following response occurrences. The programme was assessed via an ABAB design.
Results: Data showed that the man had significant increases in response frequencies during the intervention phases of the study with multiple occasions of stimulation access and head raising.
Conclusion: Technology-assisted programmes may represent a useful strategy for providing post-coma persons with multiple disabilities an active (self-control) role.